Gold Tiger reunion set for June 15

Pictured is the scene at the 2012 Gold Tiger Reunion, a reunion of Gadsden High School alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago. Tickets are on sale for this year's event, which will be June 15. Seated at left at the front table is Hazel Oliver, a 1932 GHS graduate who has been the most senior graduate at recent reunions. (Special to The Times)

Times Staff Report

Published: Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 7:07 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 10, 2013 at 7:30 a.m.

The annual Gold Tiger Reunion, a reunion of Gadsden High School graduates, is at 5:30 p.m. June 15 at Convention Hall.

The Class of 1963 is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its graduation.

The reunion, which began in 1997, is sponsored by the Gold Tiger Association, which is made up of Gadsden High alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago.

Co-chairwoman Judy Atkins said about 500 alumni usually attend. This helps the local economy, because many who attend are from out of town.

Last year's reunion inducted the Class of 1962 on the 50th anniversary of its graduation. This year, members of that class will host the reunion as the association inducts the Class of 1963 on its golden anniversary.

The deadline for ordering tickets has been extended to June 5. Phillips said he and other committee members are asking 50-year-plus GHS graduates to make their reservations and send in their money soon to help organizers make preparations.

The reunion includes a catered meal, entertainment by the Kings of Swing, decorations and the display of a large collection of GHS memorabilia. Items will include old cheerleader and sports uniforms, yearbooks, photos and what Lane Weatherbee, class of 1960, calls “my pride and joy” — a big bass drum with the Gadsden High Tiger's head painted on the side.

Hazel Pierce Oliver of Gadsden has been involved with the Gold Tiger Association since its start 16 years ago. As a member of the Class of 1932, she has been the most senior graduate at the reunion in recent years.

<p>The annual Gold Tiger Reunion, a reunion of Gadsden High School graduates, is at 5:30 p.m. June 15 at Convention Hall.</p><p>The Class of 1963 is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its graduation.</p><p>The reunion, which began in 1997, is sponsored by the Gold Tiger Association, which is made up of Gadsden High alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago.</p><p>Co-chairwoman Judy Atkins said about 500 alumni usually attend. This helps the local economy, because many who attend are from out of town.</p><p>Last year's reunion inducted the Class of 1962 on the 50th anniversary of its graduation. This year, members of that class will host the reunion as the association inducts the Class of 1963 on its golden anniversary.</p><p>Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Gold Tiger Club, P.O. Box 1664, Gadsden, AL 35902. Call Phil Phillips, 256-442-6312, for additional information.</p><p>The deadline for ordering tickets has been extended to June 5. Phillips said he and other committee members are asking 50-year-plus GHS graduates to make their reservations and send in their money soon to help organizers make preparations.</p><p>The reunion includes a catered meal, entertainment by the Kings of Swing, decorations and the display of a large collection of GHS memorabilia. Items will include old cheerleader and sports uniforms, yearbooks, photos and what Lane Weatherbee, class of 1960, calls “my pride and joy” — a big bass drum with the Gadsden High Tiger's head painted on the side.</p><p>Hazel Pierce Oliver of Gadsden has been involved with the Gold Tiger Association since its start 16 years ago. As a member of the Class of 1932, she has been the most senior graduate at the reunion in recent years.</p>